Atlanta United has completed the incredible two-year odyssey from expansion start-up to Major League Soccer champions.

With a 2-0 win over the Portand Timbers in the MLS Cup before a record crowd of 73,019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United won its first league championship in just its second season in existence.

Josef Martinez and Franco Escobar provided the goals, Martinez's coming in the first half at 39 minutes with Escobar seemingly sealing the championship with a second at the 54-minute mark.

Atlanta United's title is also the first for the snakebitten sports city since the Atlanta Braves won the 1995 World Series. The Braves' World Series win had been Atlanta's only major professional sports championship until Atlanta United's triumph.

Martinez's goal extended an MLS record for most combined regular-season and postseason goals to 35. In his two seasons with Atlanta, Martinez — the 2018 Major League Soccer MVP — has displayed a goal-scoring prowess not yet seen before in the league, netting 54 goals in 60 regular-season and postseason games.

Atlanta United's Cup victory might serve as a watershed moment for the 23-year-old MLS. As arguably the most ambitious soccer club in the Western Hemisphere, Atlanta has set a new standard for its MLS competitors. It has paid record fees to attain talent, while at the same time shattering MLS attendance records.

Now Atlanta United has a championship trophy to validate those on- and off-field efforts.

Helping shepherd Atlanta United to its zenith is Gerardo "Tata" Martino, a decorated coach whose previous managerial experience includes FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, among others. The MLS Cup was Martino's final game as Atlanta United's coach, as he is reportedly in line to take over as Mexico's national team coach.

For Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank, the Major League Soccer championship has to be sweet redemption. Blank also is owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, who blew a 28-3 second-half lead in Super Bowl LI, which the New England Patriots won in overtime. The Falcons have been a .500 team since that crushing defeat.

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Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan lifts the MLS Cup as his teammates celebrate after their 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer championshp game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 8. Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez was named the MLS Cup MVP after scoring the game's first goal and assisting on the second to help his team win its first championship. John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United defender Michael Parkhurst holds the MLS Cup while celebrating with teammates after defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0 in the championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) and his teammates rush the field after defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0 in the 2018 MLS Cup championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports

Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri celebrates after scoring a goal against Sporting Kansas City during the second half in the second leg of the MLS Western Conference Championship at Children's Mercy Park. Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports

Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia is unable to stop a pass from Portland Timbers forward Jeremy Ebobisse during the second half in the second leg of the MLS Western Conference Championship at Children's Mercy Park. Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United defender Michael Parkhurst holds up the trophy as the team celebrates after defeating the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Red Bull Arena. Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports

New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles defends the goal against Atlanta United forward Hector Villalba (15) during the second half of the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Red Bull Arena. Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports

New York Red Bulls midfielder Aaron Long (33) heads the ball over Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) during the first half of the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Red Bull Arena. Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY Sports

New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles argues with referee Jair Antonio Marrufo during the first half of the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Red Bull Arena. Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez takes a photo with fans after defeating the New York Red Bulls in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar celebrates after scoring against the New York Red Bulls during the second half of the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta won the game, 3-0. John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles kicks the ball against the Atlanta United during the second half of the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Gutierrez kicks the ball away from Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco during the first half in the first leg of the MLS Western Conference Championship at Providence Park. The game ended in a 0-0 tie. Troy Wayrynen, USA TODAY Sports

New York Red Bulls midfielder Aaron Long (33) heads the ball toward goal as Columbus Crew defender Jonathan Mensah defends during the first half in the Eastern Conference semifinal at Red Bull Arena. NYRB won the game, 3-0, to advance to the Eastern Conference final. Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY Sports

New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long (33) celebrates with teammate Daniel Royer after scoring a goal against Columbus Crew SC in the first half in the Eastern Conference semifinal at Red Bull Arena. Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports

Goal is displayed on the halo board after a penalty kick goal by Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez in the first half against New York City FC in the Eastern Conference semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports

New York City FC defender Ben Sweat (2) battles for the ball with Atlanta United midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) during the second half of the Eastern Conference semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports